Looking for tips on Farm Marketing?
Look no further. Learn farm marketing from the heart and the keys to success from Charlotte Smith. She’s been in this business of helping farmers market discover farm marketing solutions and become successful in their own farm businesses.
After witnessing one too many small business owners close up shop after being run ragged and still not being able to pay the bills with their sales, she founded 3 Cow Marketing to help others transform their marketing skills and begin to live the life they always dreamed of.
Her resources include the book Farm Marketing from the Heart, which I’m giving away at the end of this month (January 31, 2018). But even if you didn’t win the book, there’s a ton of other free knowledge and tips here to help you become successful in your farm business.
Farms that want to be profitable need managed marketing solutions and ideal brand marketing, too. Charlotte is a wonderful resource to keep on tab.
In this episode:
- Charlotte uncovers tips for farm marketing solutions that she teaches to others.
- The key secrets for how to sell farm products successfully.
- Farm marketing resources Charlotte offers through her business of 3 Cow Marketing.
Listen to the Episode
FIRST OF ALL, ABOUT CHARLOTTE
- From rural Oregon
- Owns 3 Cow Marketing
- Author of Amazon Best Seller: Farm Marketing from the Heart
- Started her farm to grow natural foods after her kids were suffering from eczema.
- Mom to 3 kids who help out on the farm and with her business.
- Farm products consists of pastured poultry and eggs, raw milk and canned products.
TOP TIP FOR SELLING SPECIALTY PRODUCTS, SUCH AS RAW MILK
Contact your state’s Department of Agriculture. Even though the department is federal, every state has a little bit different rules so check with your state to make sure.
Also, make sure you check into Cottage Food Laws in your state for ideas of what to include in your farm business.
To find your state’s USDA, go here.
A WORD ABOUT GUT HEALTH, GENERAL HEALTH AND ECZEMA
Foods richer in probiotics, such as the raw milk and fermented foods, is what helped Charlotte’s kids recover from their eczema as well as other health problems they were facing.
Processed food just wasn’t working in their diets due to the lack of probiotics in them.
From then, health has been the main focus of her farm business and how she markets her products to her customers. She has seen great results in the health of her customers, especially gut health.
HEALTH IS WHAT DRIVES CHARLOTTE’S FARM BUSINESS
When learning how to sell farm products, relationship is key. The relationships she has made with her customers overtime has been the biggest benefit to her business.
And this is what she teaches her followers of 3 Cow Marketing, who are yearning to learn farm marketing solutions on their own farms. Build relationships and know your customers.
Charlotte’s customers value their health and so that is what she focuses on in her marketing of farm products.
3 COW MARKETING
She saw people marketing their products based upon price. She wanted to help farmers learn to price their products better. Overtime, she has build relationships with these other farmers, which is the basis behind her book Farm Marketing from the Heart.
3 Cow Marketing consists of free and paid courses for farm marketing, lots of cheat sheets and formulas as well as The Profitable Farm Facebook Group. This group is extremely interactive and a wonderfully safe place to learn and ask questions. You’ll also get some great small farm marketing ideas that would work well for your farm.
FORMULA FOR PRICING PRODUCTS
Most people have questions about pricing their products. I know I did when I first started! I wish I would have known about Charlotte’s pricing course.
Reasons to check out Charlotte’s Price for Profit Course:
- It’s free.
- Includes list of items you should be included, such as a farm marketing plan template.
- Will help you understand where your money is going.
- Learn how to feel confident in what you’re selling.
Get the FREE Price for Profit Course Here
Raising prices is sometimes a much needed thing in your business. If your customers are loyal, they will stick with you through thick and thin.
CHARLOTTE’S WORK-LIFE BALANCE
Charlotte juggles a lot of different things: Family, her farm, her store and 3 Cow Marketing.
How does she do it all?
Here’s her support system after 10 years of business:
- She’s hired help on the farm.
- Has a house keeper.
- Focuses and Powers through her priorities.
- Virtual Assistant for 3 Cow Marketing.
- Her older daughter is her designer
But if you’re just getting started:
- Know that it could take some years to find that balance.
- Do what is priority. Focus on the most important things that need to be done.
- Work through those mind set issues. Sell products because you believe in them and love them and you will get great customers.
HERE’S A PIECE OF ADVICE FROM CHARLOTTE
Learn to feel confident saying no.
Relationships are everything in life and business. And as business owners, we feel like we should put our customers and opportunities first.
Learning to say no takes practice.
NEXT, LOW POINTS THROUGH HER JOURNEY
Divorce, physical challenges of weather, finding work life balance and financial challenges have been some of Charlotte’s main low points over the years.
Also, leaving the farm to travel or for leisure has been harder and harder.
For some tips for taking a vacation when you have a farm, go here.
AS A RESULT, SOME LESSONS LEARNED
Charlotte welcomes challenges now because she understands that each one is a learning moment that is something she can build upon.
I also share my experience when I first started selling vegetables for profit and some major mindset issues I faced. It might help you if you’re looking for confidence in selling vegetables from your garden, or any other type of business like that.
ONE THING CHARLOTTE IS EXCITED ABOUT
Charlotte loves teaching something to her customers and 3 Cow Marketing students. She loves seeing the results they are finding after using her strategies and advice.
FAVORITE TOOL OR RESOURCE?
She uses a project management software called Asana. Can keep everything organized.
Charlotte also mentions Trello, which has been mentioned before in the podcast.
RECOMMENDED BOOK
High Performance Habits by Brandon Burchard
Also recommended:
I listen to audiobooks via AUDIBLE. Click here to get your first book.
IN CONCLUSION, SOME PARTING WORDS OF WISDOM
You are good enough right where you are. What you’re doing is good enough. You just have to accept it and roll with it.
FINALLY, CONTACT CHARLOTTE
email: [email protected]
website: 3cowmarketing.com
Facebook Group: The Profitable Farm
Instagram: charlotte@3Cow
Finally, catch all the past episodes of Rural Women Inspired!
RURALITES, HONE YOUR DREAMS, OWN YOUR LIFE AND I’LL SEE YOU DOWN THE ROAD.
